DRAFT Patriots select WR Tyquan Thornton at 50.

[upstater1]

No, I stated Patriots who were drafted and where BB decided if they would stay on the team.

Gronk retired rather than play for BB anymore and Brady asked Kraft to let him leave.

It comes off a previous discussion with someone else about the cap and its relation to positional signings.

 

[DaBruinz]

Yeah i guess so. Don't need him to do slot cuts and digs, leave it to Meyers and Bourne. See attached video i think would be more suited to his skills.
Just remember, if it runs as fast as Moss, and is as tall as Moss, you can assume he could be like Moss.

The Patriots purposely have their WRs able to do the entire route tree because 9 different routes is harder to defense against than 5 different routes.

 

[DaBruinz]

It's not behind a paywall? Not for me anyway, maybe it's only paywalled for residents of the US?

Anyway, its nothing groundbreaking. Just that Thornton was on the board as a second round pick for Packers, Saints and others.

Probably.... It's ESPN+ so it's paywalled in the US

 

[Patsgofor4]

New England is taking heat in media post-draft grades for reaching, but what emerged in pre-draft conversations is that Baylor wideout Tyquan Thornton wasn't necessarily a reach for many teams. The Patriots' second-round pick (No. 50) also was on the radar of the Packers, Saints and others as a Day 2 option. He combined the 4.28 speed with strong interviews, as teams liked his football acumen. Some saw him as a Day 3 prospect, to be sure. But he was a classic riser in the weeks leading up to the draft, and the Patriots visited with him very late in the process, which was telling.

"[The] Patriots need outside speed in the worst way, so this makes sense for them," an NFC scout said.

I have heard and read speculation that the Patriots traded up in order to get ahead of either Pittsburgh or the Chiefs. There is a Thornton-Pitt connection, because their current wide receivers coached him at Baylor.

Frisman Jackson

Frisman Jackson is in his first season as the Steelers' wide receivers coach in 2022. He was hired by Pittsburgh on February 8, 2022. Jackson, who brings 14 years of college or NFL coaching experience to Pittsburgh, spent the previous two seasons with t

www.steelers.com

 

[Pats2000]

They didn't have a 1st in 2017 b/c they traded for Cooks. 3rd rounders fail 80% of the time.

No mention of Sony who they won a SB with?

Over a 5 year period every team drafts the same. Some good. Some crap.

Most BB detractors forget about how he kills it on UFAs.

From 2017-2019 they always picked near the bottom. That has a cumulative effect on the quality of talent they can choose from.

Don't try to reason with them, all they know is the emotional response of talking heads.

 

[Crazy Patriot Guy]

Perhaps pedantic, but I don't fully agree that Agholor has been a "disaster" (or any other catastrophic descriptor that's used).

Disappointing? Underwhelming? Poor value relative to contract? Sure.

Disaster? He seems like a good teammate, isn't a malcontent, was always stoked for teammates when they made plays, and was in his first season with a new team. Not sure what this season will hold for him but I'll try to remain optimistic. Even if he does nothing else, I wouldn't describe his time here as a disaster. If he becomes a locker-room cancer or murders someone, then yeah, disaster.

Agreed. There are some circumstances in which cutting/trading a player is instantly addition by subtraction. Albert Haynesworth is an example. But the Pats aren't better without Agholor just because he's overpaid.

If we make it through training camp and Thornton and Parker both look fantastic, then trading Agholor to a WR needy team might be something we can do. But cutting him today doesn't make our WRs better, it simply makes them less expensive.

 

[Patsgofor4]

Perhaps pedantic, but I don't fully agree that Agholor has been a "disaster" (or any other catastrophic descriptor that's used).

Disappointing? Underwhelming? Poor value relative to contract? Sure.

Disaster? He seems like a good teammate, isn't a malcontent, was always stoked for teammates when they made plays, and was in his first season with a new team. Not sure what this season will hold for him but I'll try to remain optimistic. Even if he does nothing else, I wouldn't describe his time here as a disaster. If he becomes a locker-room cancer or murders someone, then yeah, disaster.

I’m not sure how you are using pedantic in this context, unless there is a meaning of which I’m not aware.

 

[Salsalife]

The Patriots purposely have their WRs able to do the entire route tree because 9 different routes is harder to defense against than 5 different routes.

Moss rarely stopped on his routes, why would he?

 

[Salsalife]

Patriots QB Mac Jones will love having speedster Tyquan Thornton in his arsenal

Patriots rookie WR Tyquan Thornton is more than just a track star who runs fast in a straight line

www.bostonherald.com

 

[VJCPatriot]

Yeah i guess so. Don't need him to do slot cuts and digs, leave it to Meyers and Bourne. See attached video i think would be more suited to his skills.
Just remember, if it runs as fast as Moss, and is as tall as Moss, you can assume he could be like Moss.

Suitable to TT's skillset? That's one of the all time great WRs you are comparing him to. Randy Moss is #1 all-time in my book but minimum top 3 of all time in any rational discussion of great wide outs to have ever suited up in the NFL.

And if you watch that video you linked you'll see that the Patriots moved Moss all over the field to take advantage of mismatches, including the SLOT. The scary thing about Randy Moss is not just his crazy athleticism but he could run every route in the book and make the defense look helpless to stop him.

Brady praised him as one of the smartest WRs he has ever played with. To put it simply, what made Randy Moss special is the fact that he was a 3-level receiver. He could hurt you anywhere whether it was in the short game, intermediate area, or going deep. There was no place on the football field where Moss couldn't burn the defense. Literally the phrase "You got MOSSED" was invented and coined just to describe what he was doing to defenders on a weekly basis.

A 4.28 40 indicates you have game-changing speed. But to get even close to the level of Randy Moss, TT's going to need to up his game about 1000% compared to the college level. That means being able to run ALL the routes, learning the various techniques of the position, being able to line up from ANY WR position, mastering all the subtle nuances of the WR game including creating decisive separation instantly, reading defenses, beating the press, manipulating defenders, then making the play when the ball gets into his hands.

To be fair, I don't think Baylor was a heavy passing offense, so Tyquan will need to pick up a lot of these techniques and concepts fresh, but maybe that's what BB wants - a fresh, moldable young player to turn into the next great New England WR. Let's hope he made the right pick this time around.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I have heard and read speculation that the Patriots traded up in order to get ahead of either Pittsburgh or the Chiefs. There is a Thornton-Pitt connection, because their current wide receivers coached him at Baylor.

Frisman Jackson

Frisman Jackson is in his first season as the Steelers' wide receivers coach in 2022. He was hired by Pittsburgh on February 8, 2022. Jackson, who brings 14 years of college or NFL coaching experience to Pittsburgh, spent the previous two seasons with t

www.steelers.com

Reading his accomplishments, makes me wish the Patriots had signed Frisman Jackson after Josh McDaniels stepped down. Sounds like he could do a lot to help young WRs develop and improve. And that's exactly what the Patriots need right now.

I'm still skeptical about Joe Judge making the play calls this year as 'Offensive Assistant'. Judge didn't exactly cover himself in glory as the Head Coach of the Giants from 2020-2021. His team posted a 10-23 combined record, and 31st ranked offense in total yardage in both 2020 and 2021. OOF.

 

[Mack Herron]

Agreed. There are some circumstances in which cutting/trading a player is instantly addition by subtraction. Albert Haynesworth is an example. But the Pats aren't better without Agholor just because he's overpaid.

If we make it through training camp and Thornton and Parker both look fantastic, then trading Agholor to a WR needy team might be something we can do. But cutting him today doesn't make our WRs better, it simply makes them less expensive.

Correct. But they gotta free up cap room somehow. Just to sign draft picks. Not to mention defensive FAs at edge, LB, and CB. Many ways but this is on the list.

 

[Salsalife]

Suitable to TT's skillset? That's one of the all time great WRs you are comparing him to. Randy Moss is #1 all-time in my book but minimum top 3 of all time in any rational discussion of great wide outs to have ever suited up in the NFL.

And if you watch that video you linked you'll see that the Patriots moved Moss all over the field to take advantage of mismatches, including the SLOT. The scary thing about Randy Moss is not just his crazy athleticism but he could run every route in the book and make the defense look helpless to stop him.

Brady praised him as one of the smartest WRs he has ever played with. To put it simply, what made Randy Moss special is the fact that he was a 3-level receiver. He could hurt you anywhere whether it was in the short game, intermediate area, or going deep. There was no place on the football field where Moss couldn't burn the defense. Literally the phrase "You got MOSSED" was invented and coined just to describe what he was doing to defenders on a weekly basis.

A 4.28 40 indicates you have game-changing speed. But to get even close to the level of Randy Moss, TT's going to need to up his game about 1000% compared to the college level. That means being able to run ALL the routes, learning the various techniques of the position, being able to line up from ANY WR position, mastering all the subtle nuances of the WR game including creating decisive separation instantly, reading defenses, beating the press, manipulating defenders, then making the play when the ball gets into his hands.

To be fair, I don't think Baylor was a heavy passing offense, so Tyquan will need to pick up a lot of these techniques and concepts fresh, but maybe that's what BB wants - a fresh, moldable young player to turn into the next great New England WR. Let's hope he made the right pick this time around.

Tyquan Thornton's 4.28 40-yard dash headlines fastest receiver class ever at NFL Scouting Combine

The receivers put on an unprecedented display of speed Thursday night at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, with a record eight wideouts cracking 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Baylor's Tyquan Thornton was the headliner with a 4.28 mark.

www.nfl.com

Watch this video and think about it, let it sit in your head for a while. Listen to the commentators. Ask yourself, can coach Belichick take this kid and show him the template our how to be great? Some data below from his coaches;

1. Whether it was a slant, a crosser, or a go route, Thornton made plays consistently as he led the team with 62 catches for 948 yards with 10 touchdowns in 14 starts. He also returned two kickoffs for scores.

2. Galko also boasted about Thornton’s ability in the red zone using his length to become especially effective with back-shoulder throws. His seven red zone touchdowns led the Big 12.

3. “I can show him something in the film room, and boom, he’s out there doing it in practice,” said the former Baylor assistant. “I’ve never had to correct him on understanding the play, or knowing where to be.”

Up his game by a 1000%?

Here is the reciepts;

Patriots QB Mac Jones will love having speedster Tyquan Thornton in his arsenal

Patriots rookie WR Tyquan Thornton is more than just a track star who runs fast in a straight line

www.bostonherald.com

Call me crazy, Fanboy, Patriots tottie... I beleive he is the ONE "Matrix line here" The deep threat wide receiver we have been waiting for for years.... Put the yellow vest on him all of preseason camp! Just kidding. START OR BUST!

 

[jah]

I’m not sure how you are using pedantic in this context, unless there is a meaning of which I’m not aware.

What do you think it means?

 

[Kasmir]

Suitable to TT's skillset? That's one of the all time great WRs you are comparing him to. Randy Moss is #1 all-time in my book but minimum top 3 of all time in any rational discussion of great wide outs to have ever suited up in the NFL.

And if you watch that video you linked you'll see that the Patriots moved Moss all over the field to take advantage of mismatches, including the SLOT. The scary thing about Randy Moss is not just his crazy athleticism but he could run every route in the book and make the defense look helpless to stop him.

Brady praised him as one of the smartest WRs he has ever played with. To put it simply, what made Randy Moss special is the fact that he was a 3-level receiver. He could hurt you anywhere whether it was in the short game, intermediate area, or going deep. There was no place on the football field where Moss couldn't burn the defense. Literally the phrase "You got MOSSED" was invented and coined just to describe what he was doing to defenders on a weekly basis.

A 4.28 40 indicates you have game-changing speed. But to get even close to the level of Randy Moss, TT's going to need to up his game about 1000% compared to the college level. That means being able to run ALL the routes, learning the various techniques of the position, being able to line up from ANY WR position, mastering all the subtle nuances of the WR game including creating decisive separation instantly, reading defenses, beating the press, manipulating defenders, then making the play when the ball gets into his hands.

To be fair, I don't think Baylor was a heavy passing offense, so Tyquan will need to pick up a lot of these techniques and concepts fresh, but maybe that's what BB wants - a fresh, moldable young player to turn into the next great New England WR. Let's hope he made the right pick this time around.

He's no Randy Moss but he can still be a legit #1 if he continues to develop. Apparently he's smart as hell and very coachable.

 

[50-yard-line]

In a lot of ways, this pick will determine how successful this draft was. We swung for the fences here expecting a home run. Not a single or double. If you look at the other picks there's not a ton of upside besides TT. He's the most important pick by far imo.

Said this in the Grade the Draft thread. Strange has a high floor/high ceiling, but is at a position where the difference is minimal. He's baked in and will be fine, if not very fine (we hope).

The other guys picked and the UDFAs are intriguing - maybe Marcus Jones becomes something special. Maybe Jack Jones is the next JC. Maybe Labryan Ray can stay healthy and live up to his promise...

But this one, Thornton, should be immediately impactful or not.

 

[50-yard-line]

Not if the other two are legit top 10 pick talents.

If the #3 WR has two top-10 talents running on the field with him, how much do you think the opposing defense game plans against him? How good is the opposing D's #3 CB?

Its like the Georgia defense. I really liked a couple of players there (Davis, particularly, might be a unicorn), but how much better do they ALL appear because you had a line of Walker, Davis, Wyatt, and another really good player who didn't even come out...backed by Quay Walker, Nakobi Dean and Channing Tindall. To say nothing of Cine at S.

If all of these players are as good as expected at the NFL level, it's a wonder anyone ever scored on them. I'm not saying that all of these players won't be good, or even very good. Only that having them all on the field together gives me some pause about the reality of their individual efforts.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

If the #3 WR has two top-10 talents running on the field with him, how much do you think the opposing defense game plans against him? How good is the opposing D's #3 CB?

Its like the Georgia defense. I really liked a couple of players there (Davis, particularly, might be a unicorn), but how much better do they ALL appear because you had a line of Walker, Davis, Wyatt, and another really good player who didn't even come out...backed by Quay Walker, Nakobi Dean and Channing Tindall. To say nothing of Cine at S.

If all of these players are as good as expected at the NFL level, it's a wonder anyone ever scored on them. I'm not saying that all of these players won't be good, or even very good. Only that having them all on the field together gives me some pause about the reality of their individual efforts.

Agreed. Telling which Georgia defenders are good, as opposed to really good, when there is such a collection of high talent is above my pay grade. But there will be some disappointments.

I think Thornton will be good. He is too exceptionally athletic in multiple ways. Also love that he stayed at Baylor with a awful QB, the kid is loyal and works through situations instead of trying to change the situation (transfer portal). His commitment and effort at Baylor will translate to the Patriots, as will his athleticism.

 

[BTTA]

"WR 5" for the Pats is either a ST specialist or on the practice squad. 5 real WR's don't make the 53, and WR 4 barely has little impact in most successful years (barring injury). So unless the OL, TE, or RB group is reduced by a player from what is normally carried, only 4 of these guys will make the 53. And remember there's no FB, so some other position needs to carry the short yardage extra blocker load.

I think the biggest factor here will be injury - one of these guys is likely to come out of camp with at least a nagging leg injury, or worse. That will determine who the 4 WR's are on the 53, and the momentum created through regular season playing time will keep those four in place. The injured guy will have to wait for someone else to get injured, and will otherwise be PUP/IR. It sucks, but that's the NFL.

So all of our analysis is really useless until we encounter training camp luck.

Agree totally. Expect him to contribute in some ways this year, but I see him being the Agholor replacement in 2023.

I don’t think Thornton will get a ton of playing time. Only way he does is if they trade Agholor and/or Parker gets injured (a possibility). But you look at the guys ahead of him, I don’t see him getting a lot of playing time year 1.

Parker, Bourne, Meyers and Agholor, that makes Thornton WR 5. I could see him catching 20-30 passes this season when giving Parker a breather. I know he was taken high, but he has guys ahead of him. Agholor will be gone in 2023. A year of learning and some experience will help Thornton slide right into Agholor’s playing time in 2023.

People talking about Terry Glenn. That was a different time. The Pats were starved for talented receivers, and Glenn was the PERFECT draft choice at that time, you knew he would be a starter the minute he got his jersey. The current Pat’s receivers ahead of Thornton had 215 catches and 2654 yards last year. Sure, Pats are desperate for speed, but I just don’t see Thornton beating any of those guys out right away.

I expect Thornton to play in place of Parker occasionally. I am really unsure how all these kind of different receivers will be deployed.

Parker should be an obvious starter with Agholore. That means Bourne and Myers who are very different will need to find snaps in a run heavy 2 TE offense...well, 2 TE..we will see...maybe we will see more 3 wr sets.

I also think people are forgetting the Pats traded for Parker. The minute this trade happened, Parker automatically became our best receiver. Bourne and Meyers each had 800+ yards receiving, only 12 of the 32 teams had 2 or more 800 yard receivers. So those guys will get a lot of passes thrown their way. I expect Mac will have even more rapport with those guys in year 2.

The big question will be Agholor. He’s in a contract year, so do we get 2020 Raider’s Agholor this year, or do we get 2021 Pat’s Agholor, or does he get traded. IF he’s on the team, he is WR4. Thornton would have to beat him out in camp to be WR4. It’s really up to Thornton. But he starts out as WR5.

Training camp and the preseason games are gonna be fun, get to see Strange, Thornton, Strong and the new Harris play some games. As well as the DBs and other Olinemen drafted.

 

[Wozzy]

"WR 5" for the Pats is either a ST specialist or on the practice squad. 5 real WR's don't make the 53, and WR 4 barely has little impact in most successful years (barring injury). So unless the OL, TE, or RB group is reduced by a player from what is normally carried, only 4 of these guys will make the 53. And remember there's no FB, so some other position needs to carry the short yardage extra blocker load.

I think the biggest factor here will be injury - one of these guys is likely to come out of camp with at least a nagging leg injury, or worse. That will determine who the 4 WR's are on the 53, and the momentum created through regular season playing time will keep those four in place. The injured guy will have to wait for someone else to get injured, and will otherwise be PUP/IR. It sucks, but that's the NFL.

So all of our analysis is really useless until we encounter training camp luck.

I think if everything goes right for the Pats and their young talent (Nixon, Thornton) develop and look great in camp and preseason they will have a logjam and some redundancies at the WR position… even after cutting Harry outright.

Nixon and Thornton play that same “fast” position as Agholor, they could save a lot of money by moving him to a WR needy team like Green Bay.

Meyers doesn’t have a long term contract yet and we don’t know what he expects for compensation. It might be too ambitious. I like the player but IMO Bourne and him are the same exact player and if Kristian Wilkerson is dialed in they should play him in the slot instead. Wilkerson has unique agility in a group of already quick WR’s… he is really mobile and can break ankles in short space.

If everything works out in preseason they will have to make a tough roster decision at the position.